Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom tooth removal typically costs around €100–€300 per tooth (about $120–$350), depending on whether the extraction is a simple removal or a surgical procedure and on the position and complexity of the tooth. This is significantly more affordable than in the UK or the USA, where comparable treatments are usually much more expensive.

Wisdom teeth are the third molars, usually the last teeth to erupt at the very back of the mouth, typically between ages 17–25. They often don’t have enough space to come in properly, so they can become impacted, partially erupted, or misaligned, leading to pain, infection, swelling, decay of neighbouring teeth, cysts, or crowding – in these cases, removal is recommended.

For most people, wisdom teeth begin to erupt between 17 and 25 years of age, although some may appear slightly earlier (around 16) or later, even into the late twenties or beyond. Not everyone develops all four wisdom teeth – some people have fewer, and some have none at all.

Common warning signs include:

• Pain or pressure at the back of the jaw

• Red, swollen or bleeding gums around the wisdom tooth

• Recurrent infections or bad taste in the mouth

• Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing

• Swelling in the cheek or jaw

• Crowding or movement of other teeth

If these symptoms are present, your dentist will usually recommend wisdom tooth removal to prevent more serious problems.

Wisdom tooth removal is a minor oral surgery that follows clear steps: after local anaesthesia or sedation is given, the surgeon makes a small incision in the gum to expose the tooth and bone. If the tooth is partially or fully trapped, a small amount of bone is removed, and the tooth may be sectioned into smaller pieces to minimise trauma. Once all fragments are removed, the area is cleaned, irrigated and sutured to support healing.

The procedure itself is usually painless, because the area is fully numbed with local anaesthesia, and many patients also choose oral or IV conscious sedation for deeper relaxation. For complex, multiple or highly impacted cases, general anaesthesia may be considered in a hospital setting. Most discomfort appears after the procedure and is managed with NSAIDs, cold packs, and careful aftercare.

The length of the procedure depends on tooth position and complexity, but:

• Simple erupted wisdom tooth cases are often completed in 20–40 minutes

• Surgical extractions or impacted teeth usually require around 45–90 minutes, especially if bone removal or tooth sectioning is needed

If multiple wisdom teeth are removed in one visit, total chair time increases accordingly.

Healing happens in stages:

• First 24–48 hours: clot formation; swelling begins

• 48–72 hours: swelling and pain peak, then start to decrease

• Days 3–7: most patients feel significantly better and can return to work or school

• 1–2 weeks: soft tissues and sutures usually heal; dissolvable stitches often disappear in about 7–14 days

• 3–6 months: bone remodelling and full internal healing of the extraction sites

To manage discomfort and swelling:

• Apply cold packs to the cheek for 10–15 minutes on / 10–15 minutes off during the first 24 hours

• Keep your head elevated, especially when resting

• Take prescribed anti-inflammatory painkillers (such as ibuprofen) as directed

• Avoid hot, spicy or carbonated drinks, which may irritate the area

• Start gentle saltwater rinses after 24 hours to keep the site clean without disturbing the clot

Swelling from wisdom tooth removal typically lasts 3–7 days, gradually improving after the third day.

Wisdom tooth surgery is generally safe, but possible complications include:

• Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) – loss of the protective blood clot, causing severe pain and delayed healing

• Infection – swelling, pain, discharge or fever

• Nerve injury – especially for lower wisdom teeth near the inferior alveolar or lingual nerve, sometimes causing temporary numbness or tingling in the lip, chin or tongue

• Sinus communication – in upper molars close to the maxillary sinus

• Prolonged bleeding, swelling, bruising or jaw stiffness in the first days

Most issues are rare and manageable, especially when imaging is used and post-op instructions are followed closely.

To greatly reduce the risk of dry socket:

• Do not smoke, vape, spit, or drink through a straw for at least 48–72 hours

• Avoid vigorous rinsing or mouth swishing in the first 24 hours

• Start gentle saltwater or antiseptic rinses after 24 hours, as advised

• Take all prescribed medications exactly as directed

• Stick to a soft diet and avoid heavy exercise during the first few days

• Maintain good oral hygiene but do not brush directly over the extraction sites until your dentist says it is safe

For the first 2–3 days, choose soft, cool or lukewarm foods, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, soups, smoothies without straws, and pureed foods. Avoid very hot, spicy, acidic, carbonated or alcoholic drinks, which can irritate the wounds and disturb clot formation. Gradually reintroduce firmer foods as comfort improves over the first week.

Not all wisdom teeth must be removed automatically. However, even asymptomatic impacted or partially erupted teeth can lead to silent problems like decay on the second molar, bone loss, cyst formation or future infections. Many guidelines support prophylactic removal in younger adults when imaging shows high risk of future pathology, because surgery and healing are generally easier before the mid-30s. At Maltepe Dental Clinic, the decision is based on X-rays/CBCT, your age, symptoms and risk profile rather than pain alone.

Yes. Many international patients plan wisdom tooth surgery as part of short dental trips:

• Most straightforward cases require 1 clinical visit and a stay of about 3–5 days to cover surgery and an early check-up.

• More complex, multiple or deeply impacted cases may benefit from staying 5–7 days to monitor healing and manage any early complications.

Because Maltepe Dental Clinic works regularly with international patients, treatment, recovery, and travel plans can be coordinated so you can fly home safely after the initial healing phase, with longer-term follow-up shared between our clinic and your local dentist.